Strip-printing machine.



I No. 7l6,064.' Patented Dec. l6, I902.

. u. c. LAVERY.

STRIP PRINTINGMACHINE.

(Application filed Jan. 15', 1902. (No Model.) 7 9 Sheets-Shot I.

THE norms PEYERS 1:0,. PHOYO LITHON wAsHmomN. ay 1;

No. 7|s,o64. Patented Dec. l6, I902. H. c. LAVERY.

" STRIPPBINTING MACHINE.

(Application filed Jan. 15, 1902.) (No Model.)

I il 60 In I 26 1| Patented DecIIB, I902. H. C. LAVEBY.

STRIP PRINTING MACHINE. (Application 2.)

' III! III I in! lliii I In:

. I A y i 1 i All q/ I I m. 7|s,os4. Patented Dec. I6, 1902.-

N H. c. LAVERY.

STRIP PRINTING MACHINE. (Application filed Jan. 15, 1902.)

.9 SSSSSSSSSSSSS 4.

{Huma- No. 716,064; Patented Dec. I6, I902.

, H. c. LAVE'RY,

STRIP PRINTING MACHINE.

(Applicatiofl med Jan. 15, 1902.

(No Model.) 9 Sheets-Sheet 6.

iL-Q 8g 6/ v 5601* (Zia/wry...

No. 7l6,064. Patented Dec. I6, I902 H.. C. LAVERY.

STRIP PRINTING MACHINE.

(Application filed. Jan. 15,3902.)

(No Model.) 9 Sheets-Sheet 7.

WI f 444 ,00 w. WWW/a N0. 7I6,064. r Patented Dec; I6. I902;

- H. C. LAVERY.

STRIP PRINTING MACHINE.

(Applieatio'n filed. Jan. 15, 1902. '(No Model.)

9 Sheets-Shoot 8.

I I r l m y, I t// III 75 III g 7 III ' AMA W notmmm. Patented Dec. 16, I902.

H. c. LAVERY. STRIP PRlNTiNG MACHINE.

(Applicafion filed J's-n. 15, 1902. s (No Model.) 9 Sheets-Sheet 9.

Q I .HIii

//"'" i 6 H 12 5 5 77 Liam/y Amway To all whom it may concern:

uirnn STATES ATENT OFFICE.

{THENBYQ LAVERY, OF WEST SUPERIOR, WISCONSIN.

N STRIP-PRINTING MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters- ]?atent No. 716,064, dated December 16, 1902.

l Application filed ll'anuary l6, 190:2. Serial No. 89,878. (No model.)

Be'it known that I, HENRY CnLAvERv, a citizen ofthe United States, residing at West Superior, in the county of Douglas and.State of Wisconsin, have invented certain new and V useful Improvements in Strip-Printing Machines,'of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an improved stripprinting machine, and hasspecial reference to a machine designed for printing characters or letters on a blank stripfor any purpose desired. i

To this end the invention contemplates a printing-machine possessing special utility as a die-press for printing or embossing letters on a metal strip for producing metallic nameplates or labels, such as are suitablefor application to any object upon which it may be" desired to affix a name or sign. i

In carrying out its objects the invention has in view a novel and practical arrangement of parts, insuring accuracy inthe printing or embossing operation, while, at the same time providing for a convenient and effective way of employing the blank strip or tape in connection withthe dies for impressing therein or thereon the letters or other characters to be printed. In this aspect the invention embodies dies arranged in a fixed working plane and codperating with .a shiftable blank-car rier, which not only carries the blank, tape,

or ribbon upon which thecharacters are to be impressed, but alsothespacing and feeding mechanism for the same, as well as limiting devices for arresting the blank, tape, or rib-' bon when a sufficient length thereof has been fed through thedies.

Therefore oneof the general objects is toassociate with relatively fixed dies means'for not only feeding the blank, tape, or ribbon a letter or character space at a time in the direction of printing, but alsoto shift its relation with reference to the diiferent individual tering-lock, which insures the center of the metal blank, tape, or ribbon always being directly under the center of the letter or character while being operated upon.

A further object is to provide an efiective arrangement of cutting mechanism for severing the completed printed strip from the main body of the blank, tape, or ribbon and delivering it to a point exterior to the machine.

Another object is to provide a machine of the character specified specially useful as a coin-controlled vending-machine, and preferably having associated therewith an improved coin-controlled releasing device comprising means for locking the working parts of the machine against operation until the introd uction of a suitable coin or token.

With these and other objects in view the same consists in certain novel features of construction, combination, and arrangement of parts, which will be hereinafter more fully described, illustrated, and claimed.

The fundamental features of the invention for rendering effective the central thought of relatively fixed dies and a feedable and shiftable blank, tape, or ribbon are necessarily susceptible to a very wide range of modification from a structural standpoint without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention; but a preferred embodiment of the machine is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a complete strip-printing machine,constructed in accordance with the present invention, illustrated in the form of a coin-controlled apparatus, 1 .withthe printing mechanism and its related parts entirely inclosed within a cabinet. Fig.

2 is a perspective view of the entire printing mechanism and its related parts entirely removed from its inclosing cabinet or casing and exposing the coin-controlled releasing device, and also showing one side of the shiftable blank-carrier. Fig. 3 is a similar perspective view exposing the mechanism from the side opposite to that shown in Fig. 3 and illustrating the parts in normal condition. Fig. 4 is a View similar to Fig. 3, showing the parts of the mechanism in the positions assumed in the act of printing or embossing a character upon the blank, tape, or ribbon. Fig. 5 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view of the machine at one side of the plane of the shiftable blank-carrier and the blank-feeding mechanism carried thereby. Fig. 6 is a vertical longitudinal sectional viewcentrally through the entire machine, including the shiftable blank-carrier. Fig. 7 is a horizontal sectional view on the line 7 7 of Fig. 6. Fig. Sis a similar view on the line 8 8 of Fig. 6, exhibiting more clearly the register-lock associated-with the swinging casing of the shiftable blankcarrier. Fig. 9 is a detail sectional view, on the line 9 9 of Fig. 7, showing the centeringlock cooperating with one of the dies. Fig. 10 is a fragmentary elevation showing the portion of the dies equipped with the cutting mechanism. Fig. 11 is a sectional view of the construction shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a detail elevation and bottom plan view of the cut-off punch. Fig. 13 is a detail elevation of the cut-off punch, showing the part thereof engaged by the adjusting-lever. Fig. 14 is a detail plan and edge View of the clearer or extractor plate associated with the cut-off punch. Fig. 15 is a detail plan and edge view of the female cutting-die. Fig. 16 is a detail view showinga completed strip or plate and the adjacent portion of the blank or tape from which it is cut. Fig. 17 is an enlarged detail elevation of a portion of the blank-feeding mechanism. Fig. 18 is an enlarged detail view of the coin-controlled releasing device. Fig. 19 is a detail perspective. of the coin-trip.

Like reference-numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

1n carrying out the invention the working parts of the machine may be utilized in connection with any suitable or approved form of casing or cabinet and may or may not be employed in connection with coin-controlled releasing means which look the machine against operation in its normal condition and release the mechanism to permit of it being manipulated by theintroduction of a coin or token. However, in its preferred use the machine has associated therewith coin-controlled releasing means,and the working parts of the printing mechanism are therefore preferably housed within a suitable cabinet or casing 1.

The cabinet or casing 1 (illustrated in the drawings) may be of any suitable construction or of any shape so long as a suitable housing is provided for the printing mechanism proper. The cabinet 1, as shown, may consist of an upright casing of a sufficient size to accommodate therein the entire mechanism with the exception of those elements which must necessarily be exposed upon the exterior of the cabinet for manipulation by the person desiring a name-plate or printed strip, and these exterior working parts of the machine will hereinafter be more fully referred to in connection with the elements with which they are directly associated. Access may be conveniently had to the interior parts of the mechanism through the medium of a front or side door 2, with which the cabinet may be provided.

Referring more particularly to the printing mechanism proper,the sameis housed entirely within its inclosing cabinet or casing 1 and is preferably supported at one side bya suit able supporting-base 3, suitably secured in an upright position inside of the cabinet, against one of the walls thereof, although any other suitable or convenient way of mounting the entire mechanism may necessarily be resorted to without afiecting the proper working thereof.

In its preferred aspect a central or funda* mental combination is involved in the machine. This combination is the employment of what may properly be termed asingle pair of dies arranged in a fixed working plane and having associated therewith a shiftable blankcarrier, which not only embodies means for shifting the blank or tape to any position throughout the area of the dies, but also for feeding the blank past the dies a letter or character space at a time. The remaining operative parts of the machine are associated with either of these separate parts of the main combination, and reference will be first made to the dies constituting the impressionforming parts of the printing mechanism.

The pair of dies are designated, respectively, by the reference-numerals at and 5 and are arranged in a substantially horizontal plane offset from one side of the supportingbase 3. The said dies 4 and 5 bear to each other the relation of male and female dies and in the preferable construction are in the form of continuous segmental jaws arranged in superposed relation one above the other. The said jaws are relatively fixed and movable in order that an opening-and-cl0sing action may be maintained between them, although it will be observed that both jaws may be properly said to remain in a relatively fixed position with reference to the shifting movement of the blank-carrier, (designated in its entirety by the numeral 6.) While the dies 4 and 5 are illustrated as of a segmental or curved shape, it will be of course understood that the essental idea in their construction is the fact of the same being bowed or arched. However, the curved or segmental form is the preferable one and in the construction shown the upper jaw (designated by the numeral 4:) has inwardly and downwardly deflected terminals 7, fitting within and alongside of the terminals of the lower die or jaw 5 and receiving the common hinge-pins 9, which extend outwardly through the adjacent terminals of both jaws and into the supporting-brackets 10, mounted upon'one side of the supportingbase 3, which construction provides a support and hinged connection for the inner ends of the jaws to permit of the opening-and-closing operation necessary to effect the printing or embossing of characters upon the blank.

the upper die 4 is held in a relatively fixed position to the lower jaw, whereby the said fromthe same.

upper jaw or die will remain stationary, while the lower is permitted to move toward and Any suitable expedient may be utilized to hold the upper die relatively fixed or stationary; but a simple construction is shownin the drawings and consists in the employmentof adie-brace 11, seccured to the supporting-base?) and having its upper end suitably connected with or bearing under the said upper die, so as to positively prevent the same closing down upon the lower jaw.

The upper die 4 is provided at the under side thereof with a continuous series of individual male-die elements 12, coat-ting with the complemental female-die elements 13, formed in the upper side of the lower die or jaw 5. The complemental male and female elements 12 and 13 are necessarily disposed in the working plane to provide for embossing or impressing a character upon the blank interposed between the dies and the said elements thereof. It will of course be under stood that in adapting the machine for printing or embossing name-plates and the like the individual die elements 12 and 13 of the pair of dies 4 and 5 are provided with all of the letters of the alphabet, figures, punctuation-marks, and all other characters which are usually found in type-writing and analogous printing-machines.

A part of the operating mechanism for the die or die-jaws 4 and 5 is necessarily carried by the blank-carrier 6, which may be of any suitable construction so long as the same provides a proper support for the elements directly cooperating with the die-jaws, as well asfor the support of the blank, tape, or ribbon and the spacing, feeding, and limiting devices therefor. In the preferable construction of the machine the blank-carrier 6 is arranged to swing in an upright position upon a vertical axis, and essentially consists of a vertically-arranged axiallymovable supporting member 14, and a laterally-swinging up right casing 15, conveniently formed of a pair of casing-plates 16, arranged in spaced parallel relation and rigidly united in any suitable manner at their inner edges to the axially-movable supporting member 14, respectively upon opposite sides of the latter. The said axially-movable supporting member 14 constitutes not only the main supporting ele ment of the shiftable blank-carrier, but also constitutes a pivot or axis upon which it turns, and in the construction shown the member 14 consists of a vertical turn-post, preferably angular in cross-section and provided at its upper and lower ends with the pivot-journals 17 and 18, respectively. The upper pivotjournal17 of the turn-post 14 is arranged to turn in a bearing 19, provided in a horizontally arranged bearing-bar 20, constituting the crossbar of a bearing-frame arranged at the top of the supporting-base 3'and essentially consisting of the said bar 20 and the oppositely-located bearing-brackets 21, rigidly fastened to and offset from the front side or wall of the said base 3. The said oppositely-arranged bearing-brackets 21 may be of any suitable construction and may have the bar 20 associated therewith in any practical manner, so long as suitable provision is made for the bearing-support of the upper end of the turn-post 14, and also for thebearing-support of the main power shaft 22,

which will hereinafter be more fully referred to in connection with the operating mechanism for the die-jaws 4 and 5.

The lower pivot-journal 18 of the turnpost 14 is mounted in a step-bearing 23, provided centrally upon the outer cross-bar 24 of a double or approximately Uj-shaped supporting-bracket 25, offset from the supporting-base 3 at or contiguous to the lower end thereof. At this point it may be noted that the blank-carrier 6 just described is designed to swing or move in true synchronism witha swinging indicator 26, arranged exterior to the cabinet housing the printing mechanism. The swinging indicator preferably is arranged to swing horizontally overa top board 27 of the machine-cabinet and may'consist of a bar or arm carrying.at one end a sleeve portion 28, turning in a suitable bearing 29, fitted to the said top board of the cabinet, and suitably fastened to the upper journal extremity of the turn-post 14, so as to be rigidly united therewith. The swinging indicator 26 at the end opposite its rigid connection with the turn-post of the shiftable blankcarrier is provided with a finger-knob 30 and beyond the latter with an index-pointer 31, designed to play over a segmental characterdial 32. This character-dial 32 is preferably in the form of a. segmental or semicircular plate and bearing thereon all of the letters or other characters which the machine is capable of printing or embossing and,in addition thereto, having suitable indications-such as start, space, and finish indicating, respectively, positions for starting the machinery, for spacing purposes alone, and for the finishing operation of cutting and ejecting the completed strip or plate.

From the foregoing it will be understood that the swinging indicator 26 constitutes the adjusting-handle for swinging or shifting the blank-carrier 6 as an entirety into operative relation to different letters or characters, it of course being obvious that the characters upon the dial 32 correspond in position to the die characters 12 13, borne by the dies or diejaws 4 and 5.

To provide form-aintaining the most effective operative relation between the dies or die-jaws and the shiftable carrier the latter is preferably provided at the front or swinging edge thereof with a reentrant notch 33, forming a die opening within which are disposed both the male andfemale dies or diejaws 4 and 5, and in addition to the sustainism. This die-operating mechanism includes a vertically-movable die-closer 34, which is usually in the form of a slide-block mounted to work within the carrier 6, between the.

casing-plates 16 thereof. The said die-closer or slide-block 34 is arranged to work directly beneath and against the actuated die or diejaw 5 and has pivotally connected with opposite sides thereof the connecting-links 35, arranged, respectively, upon opposite sides of the carrier-casing and pivotally connected at their lower ends, as at 36, with the heel portions 37 at one side of the pivotal support 38 of a pair of oppositely-located die-operating levers 39,also disposed upon opposite sides of the carrier-casing. The pivot 38 is common to both of the oppositely-arranged die-operating levers 39 and serves to pivotally connect the levers at their outer ends with the carrier-casing. One of the said levers 39 is provided at its inner end with an extension 40, constituting a tappet-finger cooperating with the releasing device, (preferably coincontrolied,) hereinafter more particularly referredto.

The inner swinging end portions of the conn'ected die-operating levers 39, which project beyond the axis or inner edge of the blankcarrier, and are pivotally connected by means of a pivot-bolt or equivalent connection 41 with the upper end of an adjusting-rod 42, which rod extends below the plane of the blank-carrier and is provided at its lower extremity with an offset 43, having a loose bolt connection 44 with the outer end of a forwardly-extended connecting-arm 45, projected outwardly from the lower end of the main reciprocatory operating-stem 46. The loose connection 44 between the lower end of the adjusting-rod 42 and the arm 45 of the stem 46 permits the said adjusting-rod to freely move in any direction to conform with the movement of the lever elements carried by the shiftable blank-carrier 6.

The main reciprocatory operating-stem 46 is arranged to work in the vertically-alined guides 47 and 48, mounted in spaced relation one above the other upon the front side of the supporting-base 3, said guides being preferably in the form of blocks having openings therein for slidably receiving the rod 46, the lower of said guides or guide-blocks 48 being further provided in the outer edge thereof with a keeper-notch 49 and Verticallyalined pin-openings 5O intersecting the plane of said notch for a purpose to be presently explained. t

The motion is communicated to the main pressure through reciprocatory operating-stem 46 through the medium of a link connection 51 with the rockarm 52, carried by the main power-shaft 22. The connecti0n'5l is in the form of a link having a pivotal connection 53 with the upper end of the main stem 46 and a similar or equivalent connection 54 with one end of the rock-arm 52. The said rook-arm 52 is rigid with the main power-shaft 22, which is in the form of a rock-shaft working in the bearings 55,provided in the oifstanding bearing-brackets 21, previously referred to. The rock-shaft 22 is designed to have suitably connected therewith the exterior operating-handle 56 for the printing mechanism, and this connection may be conveniently effected by providing the handle 56 with an angular stem portion 57, fitting in a similar-shaped socket 58, provided at one end of the shaft 22, said handlestem 57 being firmly held in place through the medium of a set-screw or equivalent fastening 59. The exterior operating device 56 is preferably in the form of a crank-handle arranged for movement at one side of the cabinet housing the printing mechanism and is designed to move against an offstanding stop 60, projected outwardly from one side of the cabinet in the path of the crank-handle 56 and serving to limit or arrest the downward throw thereof when operating the printing mechanism. This completes the die-operating mechanism; but at this point it will be observed that the parts of said operating mechanism are normally held and returned to an inactive or set condition through the medium of a retractile resetting-spring 61, connected at one end to a fixed point of adjustment upon the base, as at 62, and at its other end, as at 63, with the main operating-stem 46, said spring normally exerting its tension in direction to draw the operating-stem 46 downward, and

hence permit the lower female die or die-jaw 5 to be separated from its companion or male die or die-jaw 4. Also there is preferably associated with the die-operating mechanism a motion-check for easing the retraction of the parts to their normal positions under the retracting influence of the spring 61. A simple type of motion-check is shown in the drawings and essentially consists of an air-cylinder 64, receiving therein a retarding-piston 65, having a rod connection 67 with the main operating-stem 46, as at 68. This device therefore constitutes what may be properly termed an air-check and obviates any injury or displacement of parts due to a sudden jar imposed thereon in the sharp retraction or return to normal set positions.

To secure the operation of the printing mechanism only when theindicator 26 is over a character upon the dial 32 or in sufficient proximity thereto to insure the proper impression upon the blank or tape B to be operated upon, there is employed in connection with the shiftable or swinging blank-carrier 6 what might be properly termed a register-lock, which not only prevents an actuation or oper- IIO in the register-plate.

7 said lower guide 48.

ation of the dies unless the blank or tape B is in register between complemental male and female die elements, butalso provides for positively locking the swinging or shiftable blank-carrier against lateral or shifting in ovement during the printing or embossing operation. The said register-lock includes as an essential element thereof a register-plate 69, which is offset fromthe blank-carrier 6 and is rigidly united with the casing thereof, so as to move upon the common axis 14. Any suitable means may be employed for uniting the register-plate 69 with, the blank-carrier, but in the preferable construction the said plate is provided with fastening-ears 70, riveted, bolted, or otherwise secured to a looped bracket 71, having the strap-arms 72 rigidly fastened to the carrier-casing, respectively, npon opposite dies thereof and at its lower end, as plainly shown in the several figures of the drawings and particularly in Fgs. 2 and 8. This is only one of many expedients which obviously may be employed in effecting the rigid connection of the register-plate 69 with the shiftable blank-carrier. Said registerplate is preferably of a segmental or semicircular form, corresponding to the form or shape of the die-jaws land 5, and is provided therein with a segmental series of lockingholes 73, corresponding in number and relative spacing to the individual die elements carried by the die-jaws, and the said locking-holes 73 cooperate with an upstanding vertically-movable locking-pin 74, carried by the main operating-stem, preferably upon the lower connecting-arm 45 thereof, and arranged to work through the vertically-alined pin-openings 50 of the lower guide 48 when said openings are in vertical alinement or register with any one of the locking-holes 7 3 The edge of the latter having the holes 73 projects into and works Within the keeper-notch 49, provided in the In the event of the swinging indicator 26 being placed midway between characters on the dial 32 or not sufficiently over a particular character any attempt to operate the machine would carry the point of the pin 74 against a blank portion of the register-plate 69, thereby preventing actuation of the printing mechanism; but if there is a proper register of the blank or tape B between complemental die elements the pin 74 passes through a hole 73, thus permitting the complete actuation of the printing mechanism, while at the same time looking the blank-carrier 6 and the indicator 26 against any shifting movement whatever until the operating-device or handle 56 of the printing mechanism has returnedlto its normal position.

Another feature of the invention to insure not only a proper register of the blank or tape B between die elements, but also to efiect a centering of the blank or tape B directly under the center of a character or let ter to be impressed thereon, resides in the use of a centering-lock. This centering-lock in its simplest aspect consists of a vertically movable or sliding latch-bar 75, pivotally connected at its lower end, as at 76, with one of the operating-levers 39 at one side of the carrier-casing and arranged to have its upper end held to a proper working position by a suitable guide or guiding keeper 77, fitted to one side of the carrier-casin g. At or contiguous to the upper end thereof the centering latch bar 75 is provided with an engaging shoulder 78, cooperating with the centeringnotches 79, formed in the inner edge of the upper or male die 4, which while fiush with the outer edge of its companion jaw 5 is slightly wider to overhang the inner edge of the latter in order that proper clearance may be had for the latch-bar 75 in its movements to engage and disengage the notches 79. These notches are formed in regularly-spaced series transversely of the inner edge of the upper die-jaw 4: and are disposed at points corresponding precisely with the positions of the individual die elements, so that when the operating mechanism is set in motion to actuate the lower jaw 5 motion will be immediately imparted to the sliding latch-bar 75 to carry the shoulder 78 thereof in engagement with the notch 79 contiguous to the individual die elements brought into action, thereby correcting any slight eccentricity of the blank or tape and causing it to be properlycentered and held so with reference to the center of the die elements operating thereon.

Taking up particularly the blank to be operated upon and the mechanism more intimately associated therewith, it is to be observed in the first place that while the blank may necessarily be of any suitable material nevertheless in the preferable use of the machine the said blank usually consists. of a metallic tape or ribbon of aluminium or other metal capable of being readily embossed or stamped and suitable for name-plates, labels, or analogous devices. In carrying out the invention this blank or tape B is spooled in coil form upon a spool or bobbin 80, located within the lower portion of the carrier-casing. The blank or tape from the coil thereof upon the spool is guided upwardly between the casingplates 16 and passes from the rear side of and between a pair of superposed feed-rollers 81 and 82, respectively mounted upon the shafts or arbors 83 and 84, journaled in suitable bearings provided in the sides of the carrier-casing. The upper feed-roller 82 is an idler, while the lower of said rollers 81 constitutes the positive feeding element for the blank or tape and has directly associated therewith the feeding mechanism. This feeding mechanism includes a ratchet feed-wheel 85,suitab ly mounted upon the shaft or arbor 83 for the feedroller 81. The teeth on the periphery of the ratchet-wheel are so arranged and spaced as to provide for the proper letter or character spacing of the blank or tape B, and directly cooperating with the ratchet feed-wheel 85 is IIO a reciprocatory feeding-plunger 86, lo'osely and slidably working within a guiding-keeper 87, mounted upon one side of the carrier-casing contiguous to the upper end thereof. The inner end portion of the reciprocatory feeding-plunger 86 has projected laterally from one side thereof a propelling-pawl 87, formed with a downwardly-deflectedengaging point 88 to engage with the shoulders of the ratchetteeth of the wheel and at a point in advance of the propelling-pawl 87. The plunger or bar 86 has projected laterally from one side thereof an abutment piece or plate 89, against the rear edge of which is yieldingly held the upper end portion of the oscillatory actuating-lever 90 of the blank-feeding mechanism. The yielding engagement of the upright actuating-lever 90 with the ofiset abutment-piece 89 is maintained through the medium of a yielding connector 91, which may conveniently be in the form of a V-spring, one of the side arms of which has a fixed connection with a suitable point of attachment upon the plunger or bar 89, while its other side arm has a connection at the point 92 with the lever 90. The said yielding connector 91 provides a direct connection between the lever 90 and the plunger 86 and provides for moving the latter in a backward direction-that is, in a direction toward the axis of the blankcarrier 6-while at the same time permitting of sufficient independent movement of the parts should abnormal stress be placed thereon.

The upright actuating-lever 90 of the blan kfeeding mechanism is pivotally supported at its lower end, as at 93, upon a suitable pivot connecting the lever with the carrier-casing at or contiguous to the lower end of the latter. The upper extremity of the lever is guided in its swinging movement within a keeper 94, fitted to one side of the carriercasing. The said lever is normally pressed in a forward or outward direction under the influence of a strong pressure-spring 95,which may be of the V type,with one arm connected, as at 96, with the upper end portion of the lever 90 and its other arm connected, as at 97, with a fixed point of attachment upon the carrier-casing. The feeding-plunger and the lever 90, yieldingly connected therewith, are moved in a contrary directionthat is, inward toward the axis of the blank-carrier-through the medium of suitable operative connections with the die-operating mechanism. A preferred arrangement is shown in the draw ings and resides in the employment of an op erating-link 98, pivotally connected at one end, as at 99, with one of the die-operating levers 39 and carrying at its other end a shiftable pivot-pin 100, engaging in a transverselydisposed slot 101, formed at an intermediate point in the actuating-lever 90. At one side of the plane of the said actuating-lever the operating-link 98 carries a transversely-disposed holding-stop 102, adapted to engage against one edge of the lever 90 during the action of the die-operating mechanism. The

remaining elements of the blankfeeding mechanism proper reside in the employment of a gravity check-pawl 103, pivotally mounted upon one side of the carrier-casing and having its point normally engaged with the teeth of the ratchet-wheel to prevent backward motion thereof and in the provision of the reciprocatory feeding plunger or bar 86 at the outer end thereof, with a pendent stoparm 104, having an inturned stop projection 105, adapted to contact with afixed abutment, preferably the outer side of the upper or maledie jaw 4, to arrest further backward movement of the plunger or bar 86 when the latter has reached the necessary limit of motion in such direction. In connection with the inturned stop projection 195, carried at the outer end of the feeding-plunger 86, it should be noted that inasmuch as the letters or characters are necessarily of different widths for instance, letter z'being narrower than others, while the letters m and w are widerprovision must be made to insure the spaces between the letters or characters embossed on the strip being uniform. This is accomplished by having the amount of tape fed between the dies corresponding to the width of the last character printed or embossed. A simple expedient for carrying this into eifect is to provide the outer abutment-surface of the upper die 4 with recesses 106 and oifstanding projections 107, disposed in the same transverse plane or in front of the letters or characters, according as the same may be of the wide or narrow form. (See Figs. 3 and 7.) The recesses 106 would obviously be associated with the wider letters to permit of the stop projection entering the recesses, and thus giving to the feeding-plunger a greater backward movement and consequent greater feed of the blank strip or tape, while the projections 107 by extending out from the surface of the die would restrict the backward movement of the plunger for the narrower characters or letters.

Assuming the parts of the die mechanism in normal position, such as indicated in Figs. 3 and 5 of the drawings, it will be understood that if the exterior operating handle or device 56 is pushed downward the main operating-stem 46 would necessarily be drawn upward under the lifting action of the rock-arm 52 and the link connection 51, and should the carrier be in proper register with the individual male and female die elements the action would cause the lock-pin 74 to pass up through one of the holes in the register-plate 69, thus permitting the die-operating levers 39 to swing upward to the position indicated in Fig. 4 of the drawings, and therefore causing the connecting-links 35 to move the die closer or block 34 upward to effect a closing of the female die on the male die. During this upward movement of the die-operating lovers the actuating-lever 90 for the feeding mechanism will necessarily be forced back Ward through the medium of the operatinglink connection 98 until the levers 39 have reached a horizontal position, at which time the said actuating-lever will have reached the limitof its backward movement. As the lever or levers 39 continue to move upward from the horizontal position, the actuatinglever 90 would then commence to move in a forward direction under the in fluenoe and pressure of the spring if it were not for the holding-stop 102. When the levers 39 reach a horizontal position, the holding-stop 102 becomes engaged with the front edge of the lever 90 and holds it in a substantially stationary position until the levers 39 have again reached a horizontal position on their return or downward movement. After the levers 39 commence to move downward from a horizontal position, and thus carry the holding-stop 102 away from the actuating-lever 90, the latter is free to yield to the pressure of its actuating-spring 95 and move forward, carrying with it the feeding-plunger 86. The holding-stop 102 is permitted to remain engaged with the front edge of the actuating.

lever 90 and hold it against forward movement during the printing or embossing operation by reason of the fact that the shiftable pivot-pin moves forward in the slot 101 when the lever 90 is forced backward. In the backward movement of the lever 90 the yielding connector 91 serves to also draw the plunger 86 backward until the stop projection 105 engages against the male die and arrests further backward movement. The propelling-pawl 87 then engages a new tooth of the ratchet feed-wheel, so that when the lever 90 again moves forward the feed-wheel is rotated a distance corresponding to the distance which the plunger moved backward before the stop 105 thereof was arrested. The movement of the ratchet-wheel obviously causes a sufficient rotation of the positive feed-roller 81 to advance the blank strip or tape B forward the distance of a letter or character space. The object in having the entire backward movement of the actuatinglever 90 performed while the die-operating levers 39 are moving from a normal to ahorizontal position and to hold the said lever 90 stationary until the die-operating levers are again moving downward from a horizontal position is to prevent the feeding of the blank strip or tape until the die-jaws have spread sufficiently to allow the strip or tape to pass freely between them.

The printed or embossed strip as it is fed through and beyond the die-jaws passes along and beneath a strip-guide 108, suitably fitted to one side of an odstanding holding-bracket 109, rigidly fastened to the blank carrier-casing 15 and projected forwardly therefrom in front of the die-jaws 4 and 5. The said holding-bracket 109 not only constitutes a support orholder for the strip-guide 108, beneath which the printed or embossed strip passes, but also for the pivotal tripping-stop 110, arranged beyond the outer end of the stripguide 108. The trippingstop 110 is disposed in substantially an upright position and is pivotally mounted intermediate its ends by the pivot upon the outer endportion of the bracket 109 and is provided at its lower end with a contact-nose 112, disposed below and contiguous to the plane of the outer end of the guide 108, so as to lie in the path of the printed or embossed strip fed outward between the die or die-jaws. The tripping-stop 110 is yieldingly held in a normally inactive position through the medium of a return-spring 113, having its opposite ends connected, respectively, with a fixed point of attachment upon the bracket 109 and with the pivoted stop above the pivotal point 111 thereof. An auxiliary guard-stop 114 may be arranged at the outer side of the tripping-stop 110, above the pivot thereof, to provide for holding it in a proper upright position. The upper end portion of the said tripping-stop 110 has pivotally connected thereto, as at 115, the outer end of a feed-release 116, preferably in the form of a shipper-rod, extended in wardl within the blank carrier-casing 15 and provided at its inner end with a laterally-deflected disengaging arm 117, of a hooked or looped form, extending through a slot 118 in one side of the carrier-casing and designed to work upon the lifting-incline 119, formed at one edge of the plunger or plunger-bar 86, intermediate the ends of the latter.

The tripping-stop 110 positively limits the amount of strip or tape which can be used in making a single name-plate, label, or other device, and when the printed strip or blank has passed the full length of the strip-guide 108 the same comes into contact with the nose 112 at the lower end of the tripping-stop 110 and forces such nose outward. This action causes a consequent inward movement of the upper end of the tripping-stop and the release or shipper rod 116 connected therewith. The inward movement of the rod 116 causes the arm 117 thereof to ride against the incline 119 of the plunger 86, with the result of elevating the pawl-carrying part of the plunger 86 out of engagement with the ratchet feed-wheel 86, thereby positively throwing the feeding mechanism out of action and preventing the feeding of more tape until the printed or embossed strip has been cut off and delivered from the machine. The spring 113 returns the stop 110 to a normal position when relieved from the pressure of the printed or embossed strip.

There may be conveniently and advanta-' geously associated with the tripping-stop 110 a strip-ejector 120. As shown in the drawings, this ejector consists of a spring-wire body 121, having one arm 122 thereof secured fast at 123 to a fixed point of attachment upon the bracket 109, and the other free arm of the spring-wire body is provided with a pendent ejecting-foot 124, disposed. at one side of the tripping-stop 110 and normally lying slightly above the lower contact-nose 112 thereof. Cooperating with the free arm of the ejector-body 121 is an operating-cam 125, preferably carried by the main power or rock shaft 22 at or contiguous to one end thereof and adapted to press downward upon the ejector-body when the shiftable blank- Carrier 6 is thrown around to the extreme position indicated by the word Finish on the dial 32, as will hereinafter be further referred to. In the finishing operation when the operating-handle 56 is moved downward the cam 125 presses upon the ejector-body 1 21 and causes the ejecting-foot 124 to positively disengage the end of the finished strip or plate from the lower end or nose of the tripping-stop 110, so as to obviate the possibility of the same sticking and not being properly delivered from the machine.

After a strip has been completely printed or embossed or when the maximum length of blank or tape has been fed outward between the dies or die-jaws it is necessary to sever the finished article from the remainder of the blank or tape. This is effected through the medium of a cutting mechanism, which is preferably associated directly with the dies or die-jaws and is operated thereby. This cutting mechanism comprises means for not only severing the finished or printed strip from the remainder of the blank or tape, but also shapes the ends of the strip so as to provide the same with perforated fastening-ears. At this point reference may be made to the character of the plate or strip which is produced by the present machine. As plainly indicated in Fig. 16 of the drawings, the completed strip or plate (designated by the nu meral 126) as it is delivered from the machine is not only provided with any desired printing or lettering thereon, but is formed at the ends thereof with rounded fastening-ears 127, having tack openings or perforations 128 therein. The cutting mechanism is so constructed as to simultaneously sever a finished strip from the remaining blank or tape and also shape and perforate the contiguous edges thereof, as may be plainly seen in said Fig. 16'of the drawings.

The cutting mechanism includes in its general organization a cut-off punch 129, slidably mounted in a guiding-opening 130, formed in the upper die or die-jaw 4 at a point outside of the zone or area of the individual die elements 12 13, as clearly shown in Fig. 7 of the drawings. At the upper end of the guidingopening 130 the upper side of the upper die or die-jaw 4 is superficially recessed, as at 131, to permit of a sufficient play for the proper operation of the cut-off punch 129, as presently explained. The said cut-off punch is normally held in an inactive and retracted position Within the die-socket 132, formed at the lower end of the opening 130, by means of an adjusting-lever 133, which may be suitably fulcrumed upon the jaw 4 or otherwise and has one end thereof loosely engaged in a lever-notch 134, formed in one side of the stem portion of the punch 129. The opposite end of the adjusting-lever 133 has connected therewith one end of a retracting-spring 134, the other end of which spring is secured to a fixed point of attachment upon the main supporting-base 3. I

The cut-off punch 129 is provided at its lower end with a head portion 136, carrying an offset male cutting-die 137 in the form of a block whose edges perform a cutting action. The male cutting-die is provided in opposite edges thereof with concavities 137, and adjacent to said concavities the head of the punch has projected therefrom puncturing-pins 138, which are designed to puncture the tack-holes 128 in the ears of the finished strip. The main male cutting die or boss carried by the punch cooperates with the complemental female cutting-die 139 in the form of a plate situated in a die-seat 140, formed in the upper side of the lower die-jaw 5 within the vertical plane of the cut-off punch. The seat 140 and the die-plate 139 are preferably provided with matching beveled edges 141 to provide a dovetailed seating or interlocking of the female cutting-die. The latter is provided with a die-opening 142, of the same configuration as the male cutting-die, and adapted to receive the latter therein to effect the shaping and cutting out of a finished strip from the remainder of the blank or tape.

There is preferably associated with the cutoff punch or the male cutting-die 137 thereof an extractor or clearer plate 143, which is dovetailed or otherwise suitably secured in a seat 144, provided at the lower side of the upper die-jaw 4. The said extractor or clearer plate 143 remains stationary and is provided.

with a die-opening 145, corresponding in shape and size to that in the female die, so as to receive therein the male cutting-die of the cut-off punch. Also the said plate 143, as well as the female cutting-die, are provided with receiving-holes 146 for the puncturing-pins 138 of the cut-ofi punch. The extractor or clearer plate 143 serves to strip the finished plate or printed strip from the puncturing-pins and off of the male die 137 after being guided upon the latter. Below the seat 140 for the female cutting-die the die-jaw 5 is provided with a scrap-opening 147 for the reception and discharge of the scrap-pieces 148 which come out between the inner end of the finished plate or printed strip and the remaining part of the blank, tape, or ribbon.

When the swinging indicator 26 is moved over the dial 32 to the extreme position indicated by the word Finish, the blank or tape B is brought directly between the male and female cutting-dies 137 139. At the same time the notched portion of the carrier-casing 15 is necessarily brought directly over the recess 131 in the upper side of the diejaw 4 to permit of sufficient play for the action of the cutting-dies. After adjusting the parts to the position specified the depression of the operating-handle 56 causes the lower die-jaw 5 to be forced upward in the manner described against the upper die-jaw 4. The

slight upward play of the latter causes the full pressure of the upward movement of the lower jaw 5 to be brought to bear on the male cutting-die 137,with the consequence of causing said die to protrude through the extractor or clearer plate 143 and cut off and shape the strip. Upon relieving the lower die-jaw 5 from the upward pressure the spring-actuated adjusting-lever 133 causes the cut-off punch to return to a normal housed position within the die-socket 132.

Reference has already been made to the action of the strip-ejector 120, which moves down upon the outer end of the plate at the time the opposite end of the latter is cut off from the strip or tape, and at this point it will therefore be observed that through the medium of such ejector, in conjunction with the cutting mechanism, the finished nameplate or printed strip is discharged from the machine. The delivery of such plate or strip to the outside of the cabinet 1 may be accomplished in any'desirable manner-such, for

instance, as through a suitable delivery-chute 148 in communication with a discharge'open" ing 149 through a Wall of the cabinet and contiguous to a receiving-tray 150. These elements, however, do not constitute essential parts of the invention and are simply indicated in Fig. 1 of the drawings.

As already stated, the herein-described printing mechanism has associated therewith some suitable releasing device comprising means for preventing the use or operation of the printing mechanism except when it is proper to do so. While this releasing device may be of any approved construction and may or may not be coin-controlled, still for illustrative purposes to show a practical form of the machine a coin-controlled releasing device is illustrated in the drawings. This releasing device includes as an element thereof a release and lock lever 151, pivotally supported'at one end, as at 152, at a suitable point of support contiguous to the main operating-stem 46 of the printing mechanism. At its pivoted end the said lever 151 is preferably provided with a catch dog or point 153,

cooperating with a locking-notch 154, formed The opin the said main operating-stem 46. posite end of the releasing lock-lever 151 pro,- j sets into a coin or token pocket 155, provided at the lower end of the inclined portion 156 of a coin-chute 157, arranged on a suitable support158 and in communication with the coin-slot 159, provided upon' the cabinet 1, preferably at the top thereof. The chute 157 is provided at the lower outer side of the coinpocket 155 with an inclined slot 160, through which normally projects a supporting-lip 161 of a pivotal coin-sustaining trip 162. The

' coin-sustaining trip 162 is pivotally mounted or hinged upon a pivot-pin 163, supported at one side of the coin-chute, and has extended therefrom a trip-arm 164, lying in the path of and adapted to be engaged by the tappetfinger 40, carried by one of the die-operating levers 39. Below the plane of the inclined slot 160, which receives the correspondinglyinclined supporting-lip 161, the coin-pocket 155 is in direct communication with the coinbox 165, in which the coins are deposited and may be removed from time to time.

The operation of printing or embossing the blank or tape, as well as the cutting and discharge of the finished plate or strip, has already been fully explained, and it is therefore understood that when the release and lock lever 151 is held out of engagement with the main operating-stem 46 the printing mechanism is free to be operated in the manner explained. Hence, referring particularly to the action of the coin in connection with the controlled releasing device, it will be noted that when a coin is introduced into the chute 157 it passes down through the inclined portion thereof into the pocket 155,

where it comes to rest directly under the end of the lever 151, projecting into said pocket, and it also rests upon the supporting-lip 161 of the coin-sustaining trip 162. In such position the coin prevents the point or dog 153 from entering the notch 154 of the stem 46, and consequently leaves the printing mechanism free to be operated. When the swinging indicator 26 is swung to the extreme position at the word Finish, the tappet-finger 40 is thrown into the path of the trip-arm 164,

so that when the cut-off operation takes place the trip-arm 164 will be moved upward, thereby swinging the lip 161 outward from beneath the coin and permitting the latter to fall into the box 165. With the lever 151 thus left unsupported by a coin any attempt to move the stem 46 upward would cause the notch 154 thereof to become engaged with the catchdog of the lever 151, and thereby prevent further movement.

From the foregoing it is thought that the construction, operation, and many advantages of the invention will be readily apparent without further description, and it is to be understood that various changes in the form, proportion, and minor details of construction may be made within the scope of the invention without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages thereof.

Having thus described the invention, wha is claimed, and desired to be secured by Letters Patent, is

1. In a machine of the class described, asingle set of printing-dies occupying a relatively fixed position and bearing individual die elements, means, operatively related to said dies, for feeding the blank between the dies, and means for shifting the same in a direction across its line of feed.

2. In a machine of the class described, printing-dies occupying a relatively fixed position and provided with a plurality ofindividual ICO IIO

male and female die elements, means, operatively related to said dies, for feeding a blank between the same, and means for shifting the blank in a direction across its line of feed.

3. In a machine of the class described, a single set of printing-dies occupying a relatively fixed position and having a plurality of coin plemental individual die elements, mechanism comprising means for feeding a blank tape in a direction crossing the working plane of the dies, means for shifting the blank in a direction across its line of feed and cut-off mechanism for severing the tape into individual plates.

4. In a machine of the class described, a single set of printing-dies arranged in a relatively fixed position and provided with a plurality of individual male and female die elements, means for shifting the blank to different positions Within the working plane of the dies and in a direction across theline of its feed,and common means for feeding the blank and for operating the dies with the blank in any position.

5. In a machine of the class described, the single set of printing-dies occupying a relatively fixed position and provided with a plurality of complemental individual die elements, a blank-carrier shiftable to different positions within the working plane of the dies, means for feeding the blank in a direction across the plane of its shifting movement, and common means carried'with the carrier for actuating the dies and also the feeding mechanism.

6. In a machine of the class described, a

I single pair of superposed dies consisting of relatively swinging jaws, each bearing a plurality of individual die elements, means, operatively related to the dies, for shifting the blank to different positions within the working plane of the dies, and means for feeding the blank in adirection across the plane of its shifting movement.

7. In a strip-printing machine, a pair of hinged dies occupying a relatively fixed position, separate means for respectively shifting the blank in one direction and feeding it in another, and cut-ofi? mechanism for severing the blank into individual plates.

8.'In a machine of the class described, a pair of hinged dies occupying a fixed position and bear'ingindividualdie elements, mechanism comprising'means for feedingthe blankstrip between the dies transverse to the workingplane thereof, and means for shifting the blank transversely to the line of its feed.

9. In a machine of the class described, a

. pair of arched dies bearing a plurality of individual complemental die elements, blankfeeding mechanism comprising means for feeding the blank transversely to the working plane of the dies and means for shifting the blank in a direction across its line of feed.

10. In a machine of the class described, a pair of arched hinged dies bearing a plurality of individual die elements, blank-feeding mechanism comprising means for feeding the blank transversely to the working plane of the dies, and means for shifting the blank in a direction across its line of feed. I

11. In a machine of the class described, a pair of arched dies having a common hinge at their contiguous ends, blank-feeding mechanism comprising means for feeding the blank transversely to the working plane of the dies, and means for shifting the blank in a direction across its line of feed.

12. In a machine of the class described, a pair of dies consisting of continuous jaws arranged in superposed relation and having a hinge-support at one end, said die-jaws bearing individual complemental die elements, blank-feeding mechanism comprising means for feeding the blank transversely to the working plane of the dies and means for shifting the blank in a direction across its line of feed.

13. In a machine of the class described, a pair of die-jaws bearing individual die elements, a shiftable blankcarrier, feeding mechanism for the blank-strip carried by the carrier and comprising means for feeding a blank in a direction transverse to its shifting movement, and die-operating mechanism carried by the carrier and comprising means for actuating the feeding mechanism.

14. In a machine of the class described, a pair of dies bearing individual die elements, a shiftable blank-carrier movable over the dies, die-operating mechanism including nonshiftable elements, and blank-feed mechanism carried by the carrier and comprising means for feeding the blank in a direction transverse to its shifting movement.

15. In a machine of the class described, a pair of arched dies bearing individual die elements, a shiftable blank carrier having a swinging movement around the dies, die-operating mechanism including non-shiftable elements, and blank-feeding mechanism carried by the carrier and comprising means for feeding the blank in a direction transverse to its shifting movement.

16. In a machine of the class described, a pair of dies bearing individual die elements, a blank-carrier arranged to turn or swing upon an axis for shifting the blank to different positions within the working plane of the dies, blank-feeding mechanism carried by the carrier and comprising means for feeding the blank in a direction across the plane of its shifting movement, and die-operating mechanism including elements also carried by the carrier and other non-shiftable elements occupying fixed positions.

17. In a machine of the class described, a pair of relatively movable dies bearing individual die elements, a laterallyswinging blank-carrier turning upon an axis disposed at substantially right angles to the plane of the dies, blank-feeding mechanism carried by said carrier and comprising means for feeding the blank in a direction across the line of its shifting movement, and die operating mechanism including a fixedly-positioned exterior operating device, and die-operating elements carried by the carrier.

18. In a machine of the class described, a

pair of relatively movable dies bearing individual die elements, a shiftable blank-cartrier comprising a swinging casing havinga pivotal supporting member, an indicating device for determining the adjusted position of the carrier, blank-feeding mechanism carried by the carrier and comprising means for feeding the blank in a direction across the line,

anism.

20. In a machine of the class described, a

pair of relatively movable dies bearing individual die elements, a shiftable blank-carrier comprising a swinging casing for the blank or tape and a pivotal supporting member, an

exterior indicating device including a charactor-dial and a swinging indicator cooperating with the dial and connected with the pivotal support of the carrier for synchronous movement therewith, feedingmechanism for feeding the blank in a direction across the line of its shifting movement, and die-operating mechanism.

21. In a machineof the class described, a pair of relatively movable dies, a swinging blankwarrier having a pivotal supporting member, an exterior indicating device including a character-dial and a swinging indicator playing over the dial and rigidly connected with the said pivotal supporting member of the carrier for synchronous movement therewith, blank-feeding mechanism for moving the blank across the plane of its shifting movement and die-operating mechanism including fixedly-positioned non-shiftable elements. p

22. In a machine of the class described, a pair'of relatively movable dies bearing individual die elements, a shiftable blank-carrier comprising an upright swinging casing having a movement around the dies, and a turnpost supporting the casing, an exterior indicating device including a character-dial and aswiuging indicator playing over the dial and having at one end a member rigidly united with the turn-post for synchronous movement therewith, blankfeeding mechanism carried by the carrier and comprising means for feeding the blank transversely to its shifting movement and die-operating mechanism, including a fixedly-positioned exterior operating device, and also die-operating elements carried by the carrier.

28. In a machine of the class described, a pair of relatively movable dies bearing individual die elements, a blank-carriershiftable with relation to the dies, means for adjusting the blank-carrier into operative relation to any of the individual die elements,a die-closer carried by the carrier, die-operating mechanism inclnding elements carried by the carrier and operativel y related to the die-closer, blank-feeding mechanism comprising means for feeding the blank across the plane of its shifting movement, and cut-0d mechanism for the individual plates.

24:. In a machine of the class described, a pair of relatively movable dies bearing individual die elements, a shiftable blank-carrier, a movable die-closer carried by the carrier and arranged to work against the actuated die, die-operating mechanism including elements carried by said carrier and operatively connected with the die-closer, blank-feeding mechanism comprising means for feeding the blank across the plane of its shifting movement, and cut-off mechanism for the individual plates.

25. In a machine of the class described, a pair of relatively movable dies bearing individual die elements, ashiftable blank-carrier, a slide-block carried by the carrier and arranged to operate against the actuated die to constitute a closer, die-operating mechanism including a fixedly-positioned exterior operating device, and also includinglever elements carried by the blankcarrier and oper atively connected with the die-closer and also with said exterior operating device,and blankfeeding mechanism.

26. In a machine of the class described, a pair of relatively movable dies bearing individual die elements, a shiftable blank-carrier, a movable die-closer carried by the carrier and operating against the actuated die, dieoperating mechanism comprising die-operating levers pivotallysupported upon the blank- IIO carrier and having link connections with the die-closer, a reciprocatory main operatingstem having an adjusting-rod connection with said die-operating levers, and a main powershaft having an exterior operating device and operativelyconnected with the said main opcrating-stem, and blank-feeding mechanism carried by the carrier.

27. In a machine of the classdescribed, a pair of relatively movable dies bearing individual die elements, a shiftable blank-carrier, a die-closer operatively related to the actuated or positive die, die-operating levers pivotally supported upon the blank-carrier and having link connections with the die-closer, a main operating-stem operatively connected with the said levers and having exterior ac- 

